P  S 

3505 

A44 

S27 

1912 

MAIN 


GIFT  OF 
Class   of   1887 


Savonarola    c AU r  R 

and 

John  Knox 


BY 

Donald  Cameron 


San  Francisco,  Cal. 
1912 


'  .*  • '          •••..:: 

i  V         '••'  '  -.'": :   : 
•  -  *.  - 


s.  nevertheless  in  both  cases  the  truth  was  preserved 
and  began  a  new  life  with  the  impulse  of  its  immortality. 

Savonarola  resembled  the  reformers  in  his  appeal  to  Scrip 
ture.  He  is  modern  also  in  his  appeal  to  personal  religious  ex 
perience  as  opposed  to  the  authority  of  the  ancients.  He  lived 
during  the  Italian  Renaissance  and  protested  against  the  Pa 
ganism  that  it  brought  with  it  in  making  the  profane  writers 
authorities  in  the  pulpit  instead  of  Christ  and  His  appostles. 
He  held  that  men  in  his  day  were  as  capable  of  being  directly 
taught  of  God  with  the  light  of  Scripture  as  those  of  former 
times  and  thus  asserted  our  great  Protestant  principle  that  men 
should  think  for  themselves  in  matters  of  religion  with  the 
proviso,  of  course,  of  heedfulness  and  divine  help.  A  true  re 
vival  must  be  the  result  of  ripening  forces  and  the  culmination 
of  spiritual  agencies. 

Savonarola  was  born  September  21,  1452,  in  Ferrara,  Italy, 
and  died  at  Florence,  May  23,  1498,  aged  45  years.  He  was 
both  prophet  and  statesman  rebuking  the  worldliness  and  self 
ishness  of  the  priests,  speaking  the  truth  in  love  tu  high  and 
low,  showing  a  noble  disregard  of  personal  gain  in  his  work 
as  pastor  and  patriot. 

The  following  dialogues  present  a  brief,  realistic  sketch  of 
the  main  features  of  his  life  and  character. 


CAST  OF  CHARACTERS 

SAVONAROLA 

Charles  VIII. — King  of  France. 

Savonarola — Prior  of  Saint  Marks. 

Arrabratti — (Furies  literally) — Savonarola's  political  enemies. 

Pignoni — (weepers,  literally) — Savonarola's  political  friends. 

Piero — Deposed  head  of  Florentine  state. 

Capponi  and  Valori — Members  of  Florentine  Government. 

Salviati — Captain  of  the  guard. 

Domenico— A  friar  and  friend  of  Savonarola. 

F.  Cini — A  member  of  the  Eight. 

Signory,  Commissioners,  Messengers. 


Act  I.    Scene  1.    Florence. 


Officer: 


The  signory  since  you  have  been  away 
Have  turned  your  enemies  and  boldly  say 
You  are  unfit  to  rule. 


Piero : 


But  I  have  made  the  King  of  France  my  friend 
His  amity  is  pledged  and  he  will  soon 
In  conquest  march  through  Florence. 


Officer : 

You  have  indeed  won  Charles,  King  of  France, 

By  gifts,  of  money  and  surrendering 

Of  three  stout  fortresses  into  his  hands. 

But  you  have  lost  the  people's  love  and  flamed 

The  fire  of  liberty  that  smothered  lay 

Beneath  the  fuel  of  your  tyrrany- 

Another  Potentate  in  Florence  reigns, 

Shrined  in  the  people's  heart  whose  word  is  law 

Over  the  populace  and  signory. 

I  mean  Savonarola  whom  with  gifts 

Of  fortresses  or  worlds  you  cannot  buy. 

1  well  remember  in  your  father's  time 

How  oft  your  father  in  the  convent  grounds 

Would  walk  that  he  might  win  a  gracious  smile 

From  the  monks'  lips  and  when  all  measures  failed 

I  carried  gold  your  father  gave  to  me 

To  win  the  friar's  favor,  who  replied 

He  had  enough ;  plain  raiment  and  plain  food 

And  the  blessed  privelege  of  doing  good; 

But  on  the  poor  by  good  Saint  Martin's  guild 

He  would  bestow  the  gold ;  and  so  the  gift 

Went  to  the  poor.    Before  your  father  died 

He  called  him  to  restore  the  liberties 

Of  Florence.    Thus  o'er  people  he  hath  gained 

An  empire  tha  still  grows  from  less  to  more. 


Piero : 


But  when  the  King  of  France  in  victory 

Rides  through  the  streets  of  Florence  and  declares 

His  friendship  for  me  then  the  signory 

Will  iind  that  I  am  stronger  than  they  deem. 


Officer : 


Tis  by  Savonarola's  prophecy, 

The  King  of  Fnrnce  invadeth  Italy; 


But  whether  he  can  turn  the  hostile  flood 
To  his  own  will  and  purpose  time  will  prove. 

Act  I.     Scene  2.     Florence 

Second  Piagnoni: 

The  Signory  in  council  hath  declared 
Piero  is  unfit  to  rule. 

Second  Piagnon: 

Passing  the  palace  even  now  I  saw 
Piero  driven  from  the  door.     I  trow 
The  Medici  have  suffered  overthrow. 

(The  great  bell  of  the  Signory  peals  the  alarm.) 
Hark  the  bell  sounding,  calling  us  to  arms, 
Hasten,  betake  ye  to  the  palace  all, 
Florence  for  aid  in  dire  distress  doth  call. 

Valori : 

Need  have  ye  citizens  to  rush  and  throng 

To  rescue  Florence  from  the  dreaded  foe. 

I  have  but  now  come  from  the  King  of  France, 

To  whom  they  sent  me  as  embassador. 

Piero  went  before  and  stole  away 

The  King's  goodwill.     Three  of  our  fortresses 

He  weakly  yielded  the  invading  foe. 

'Tis  now  long  time  the  Medici  have  robbed 

Our  Florence  of  its  precious  liberties. 

Third  Piagnoni: 

Forth  from  the  city  gates  your  enemy 
Piero  with  a  few  attendants  fled, 
And  is  declared  to  be  an  enemy, 
TCxiled  from  Florence  by  the  Signory. 


Valori: 

Then  half  our  task  is  done,  the  next  must  be 
To  build  the  walls  that  guard  our  liberty. 


Act  I.    Scene  3.    Florence.    The  Palace, 

Signory,  King  Charles  and  Savonarola 
Capponi : 

\Yo   have  extended  to  our  utmost  strength 
The  terms  of  treaty  with  the  King  of  France. 

King  Charles: 

Piero  made  more  generous  promise 
Than  doth  the  Signory. 

Capponi : 

Piero  can  fulfill  no  promise  made 
To  Charles,  King  of  Prance :  he  is  expelled, 
And  never  shall  return.     We  shall  fulfill 
Our  promise  as  we  can,  but  you  impose 
More  than  our  burdened  citizens  can  bear. 

Charles : 

Refuse,  and  you  will  hear  our  trumpets  sound. 

Capponi : 

And  we  will  quickly  sound  our  city  bells. 

Charles : 

See  my  cuirassers  and  my  cavalry, 
Such  sight  was  ne'er  before  in  Florence  seen 
or  armed  host.     Behold  the  flower  of  France, 
On  their  brave  steeds  caparisoned:     behold 

8 


My  Scottish  archers,  my  Swiss  infantry 
Bright  with  their  burnished  steel. 


Savonarola : 


King,  beware!     The  Signory  have  tried 
To   meet  with  your  demands,  be   merciful. 
I  prophesied  that  like  the  king  of  old, 
King  Cyrus,  you  would  override  your  foes: 
But  if  you  be  unmerciful,  unjust, 
You  yet  may  meet  defeat. 


Charles : 


Conclude  the  treaty  and  in  peace  join  hands, 
The  King  of  France  doth  yield  you  your  demands. 

Savonarola : 

Delays  are  dangerous,  no  longer  stay, 
But  lead  your  army  forth  upon  its  way. 
Begone  from  Florence  ere  your  good  thoughts  die, 
Drowned  in  the  river  of  your  revelry. 

Act  I.  Scene  IV.  Florence.     Signory  and  Savonarola 
Capponi : 

The  Signory  return  thee  heartfelt  thanks, 
Savonarola,  for  thine  aid  to  them. 
But  for  thine  aid,  the  King  of  France  would  still 
Hold  midnight  revels  in  our  Palace  hall. 
Such   awe   thy  prophecies   in  him   inspired, 
He  harked  to  thee  when  other  voices  failed 
To  move  him  hence.     We  joy  that  he  is  gone. 
Thy  further  counsel  we  desire  to  heal 
The  sickness  that  besets  our  commonweal. 

Savonarola : 

Kindness  and  common  reason  will  supply 

9 


For  present  needs  a  timely  remedy, 

With  Venice  for  your  pattern,  keep  the  reigns 

Of  office  firmly  in  the  peoples'  hands. 

Trust  not  your  liberty  to  senators, 

Who  yield  to  you  the  name  of  liberty, 

But  rob  you  of  its  power.    A  council  great 

Must  be  the  head  and  centre  of  your  state, 

To  which  all  officers  must  give  account. 

The  Pope  eyes  Florence  that  he  may  secure 

Abundance  for  his  children,  while  Milan 

And  Naples  and  Piero  seek  to  make 

Of  Florence  slaves.    0,  let  the  heavens  reign; 

Beware  of  priests,  who,  with  imposing  show 

Of  chants,  processions,  ornaments,  displace 

The  worship  of  the  heart.    In  former  days, 

The  chalice  was  of  wood,  the  prelate  gold, 

But  now  the  chalice  gold,  the  prelate  wood. 

Let  Christ  be  King  of  Florence  and  anon 

Joy  will  appear  and  misery  be  gone. 


Act  I.    Scene  5,    Florence  Street. 

First  Arrabiati : 

Savonarola  bravely  mounts  aloft 

The  signory,  his  servants,  while  the  king 

Who  reigns  o'er  France,  trembles  before  his  frown. 

Second  Arrabiati: 

Ilo  truly  hath  attained  to  lofty  state, 

But  there  are  dangers  that  surround  the  great. 

In  league  with  Florence  and  Milan,  the  Pope 

Regards  the  friar  as  an  enemy 

To  his  desires.    His  potent  enemies 

\\V  shall  cin ploy  to  further  our  design 

Oi'  revolution  and  the  friar's  fall. 

10 


Act  II.    Scene  7.    Saint  Marks. 

Savonarola : 

Meekly  obedient  to  authority 

Upon  receipt  of  orders  sent  from  Rome, 

That  I  should  go  from  Florence  and  proceed 

To  Lucca,  I  resolved  to  go  when,  lo, 

Another  message  came  that  said,  remain. 

Methought  that  Papal  briefs  more  weighty  were 

Than  like  a  gossamer  that  floats  in  air, 

To  be  thus  blown  away  by  people's  breath. 

Then  why  should  I  esteem  of  heavy  weight, 

What  seemeth  of  itself  to  be  so  light? 

Domenico : 

It  joyeth  me  that  you  shall  still  remain. 

Savonarola : 

But  where,  Domenico,  the  fount  and  head, 
Of  the  authority  that  rules  our  lives? 
With  God  or  Rome,  with  truth  or  flattery? 
But  the  Arrabiatti  and  their  wrath 
Shall  not  divert  my  feet  from  virtue's  path. 


Act  II.    Scene  2.    Florence. 


First  Arrabiatti: 


Clouds  gather  deeply  o'er  the  friar's  head, 

A  summons  from  the  Pope  called  him  to  Rome, 

And  he  replied  that  the  affairs  of  state 

Pressed  on  his  shoulders  with  such  grievous  weight, 

That  he  was  sick  and  might,  besides,  be  killed 

By  dagger  or  by  poison  if  he  dared 

Essay  the  journey.     Now,  a  brief  hath  come, 

That  bids  him  silence :   should  he  violate 

11 


By  public  speach  the  order  thus  enjoined, 
He  will  more  fast  be  caught  within  the  toils. 

Second  Arrabiatti: 

There  are  so  many  darts  thrown  thick  and  fast, 
His  foes  so  many  are  that  he  must  fall. 

Act  II.    Scene  3.    Florence.    Saint  Marks. 

Savonarola,  in  his  room;  enter  a  servant. 

Servant : 

A  priest,  arrived  from  Rome,  would  speak  with  you, 

Savonarola : 

Bid  him  come  in. 
Enter  Antonio. 

Antonio : 

Antonio,  my  name,  a  priest,  from  Rome, 
A  messenger  I  come,  sent  by  the  Pope, 
Expressly  to  hold  friendly  conference ; 
For  he  hath  heard  of  your  consuming  zeal, 
And  your  obedience  to  your  holy  vows. 
He  would  approve  and  honor  and  reward 
All  generous  service  of  the  brotherhood. 

Savonarola : 

I  am  surprised ;  he  put  me  under  bond, 

And  straitly  charged  me  that  I  hold  my  peace. 

Antonio : 

Tis  true,  your  enemies  have  said  hard  things 
Regarding  you  at  Rome,  yet  wishing  not 
To  harm  the  innocent,  he  hath  enquired 
To  know  the  truth,  that  so  he  might  reward 
Your  service,  and,  therefore,  hath  sent  me  here. 

12 


Savonarola: 


I  wrote  what  learned  fathers  wrote  before, 

And  taught  the  doctrines  of  the  church, — no  more. 

Antonio : 

Your  writings  by  a  Cardinal  at  Rome, 

Reported,  were  as  learned,  good  and  wise. 

In  charity  forgotten  be  the  past ; 

I  have  come  here  to  make  to  you  amends, 

And  set  you  high  among  Rome's  chief est  friends, 

An  honor  many  covet,  few  receive, 

A  gift  so  great  the  world  would  scarce  believe 

In  the  Pope's  name  I  offer. 

Savonarola : 

Offer  what? 

Antonio : 

Can  you  conceive? 

Savonarola: 
I  cannot. 

Antonio : 

In  the  Pope's  name,  in  token  of  esteem, 
I  proffer  you  a  Cardinal's  crimson  crown. 
Hail,  Cardinal  Savonarola,  hail. 

Savonarola: 

I  seek  not  wealth  and  honor,  but  so  strange, 

The  gift  you  proffer  that  I  shall  reply 

In  my  next  sermon  in  the  Duomo. 

Come  there  for  my  reply.    Meanwhile,  farewell. 

Exit  Antonio. 
0  mockery !   Profanity  more  deep 

13 


Unfolds  itself  to  my  beholding  eyes. 
Priests,  princes  traffic  with  the  sacred  things, 
Briefs,  dispensations,  and  the  papal  throne, 
Favors  of  priests  and  princes,  all  are  sold 
Unto  the  highest  bidder  in  Rome's  mart. 
One  day  an  excommunicate,  and  banned, 
For  speaking  truth,  the  next  a  Cardinal, 
Bribed  to  betray  it ;  what  the  consequence 
Of  being  either  when  the  slightest  cause 
Can  make  or  unmake  both?     They  ill  divine 
Savonarola  and  his  heart  who  think 
That  he  for  gold  or  honor  can  be  bought. 
"When  next  I  speak,  I  trow  they  then  shall  find 
How  far  their  plummet  failed  to  reach  my  mind. 


Act  II.    Scene  4.    Duomo. 

Savonarola: 

How  is  it,  friar,  that  you  have  been  so  long? 

Hath  fear  detained  you?    What  hath  been  amiss? 

Listen  and  I  will  speak.    A  youth  left  home, 

And  in  a  bark  went  sailing  by  the  shore, 

When  lo,  the  master  of  the  ship  steered  forth 

Into  the  darkness,  and  tempestuous  night, 

Far  from  the  sight  and  safety  of  the  shore. 

That  youth  now  stands  before  you.    Such  am  I. 

The  master  let  me  forth  upon  the  sea, 

And  like  the  fishermen  of  Galilee, 

I  toss  on  darkling  billows.     Towering  high 

The  wrath  of  Rome  is  o'er  me  as  a  flood. 

The  citizens  of  Florence  seek  my  blood; 

They  offer  me  a  Cardinal's  red  hat, 

But  I  prefer  my  worn,  time-tattered  gown, 

A  life  unstained,  a  martyr's  blood-red  crown, 

Mine  enemies  shall  slay  me  by  and  by, 

But  from  the  battle  I  shall  never  fly. 

14 


Act  III.    Scene  1.    Church  of  the  Badia. 

Messenger: 

Here  is  a  brief  from  Rome.    You  are  informed, 
You  must  proclaim  the  prior  of  Saint  Marks, 
Savonarola,  excommunicate. 
He  hath  despised  the  Pope's  authority; 
For  when  an  order  summoned  him  to  Rome, 
He  disobeyed,  and  when  to  silence  bound, 
He  broke  his  silence. 

Priest : 

It  shall  be  done  as  it  hath  been  enjoined. 
With  torchlight  and  the  pealing  of  our  bells, 
The  excommunication  shall  be  read. 

Act  III.    Scene  2.    Duomo. 

Savonarola: 

I  care  not  for  their  torches  and  their  bells, 

By  which  with  hollow  pomp  they  advertise 

A  cause  unholy.    Light  no  Pope  can  quench. 

Is  a  good  conscience  in  a  Christian  heart. 

To  do  a  wrong  none  have  a  right  divine ; 

No  law  condemns  the  right;  my  righteous  cause 

Hath  the  support  of  earth's  and  heaven's  laws, 

When  a  Pope  errs  and  doeth  grievous  ill, 

And  worketh  not  the  potter's  blessed  will, 

An  instrument  divine  no  more  is  he, 

But  a  base  tool,  marred,  broken  and  despised. 

Act  III.    Scene  3.    Florence  Street. 

First  Arrabiatti: 

The  Pope  a  broken  tool !    This  word  will  go 
To  Rome  and  more  increase  the  friar's  woe. 

15 


Second  Arrabiatti: 

Piero,  Pope,  Milan,  all  Italy 

Do  battle  with  the  friar  and  his  friends, 

He  battles  bravely,  but  the  end  draws  near. 

Act  IV.    Scene  1.    Saint  Marks.    Florence. 

Savonarola: 

According  to  a  custom  heretofore 
Whereby  the  church  when  grave  occasion  was 
Convened  in  council  to  deliberate 
On  its  affairs,  these  letters  to  the  Kings 
Of  England,  Germany  and  France  and  Spain 
We  have  addressed  requesting  them  that  they 
Should  call  a  council  to  deliberate 
On  present  evils  and  their  just  reform. 
Should  they  convene  there  will  be  such  a  stir, 
As  when  the  Master  drove  the  trafficker 
With  whip  and  mandate  from  the  sacred  courts. 
Enter  friar. 

Friar: 

A  messenger  would  see  Domenico. 

Domenico : 

Let  him  come  in. 

Messenger : 

I  am  commanded  Fra  Domenico, 
To  bear  a  message  from  the  Signory, 
And  from  some  friars  of  the  Minorites, 
They  say  to  terminate  this  long  dispute, 
Between  Savonarola  and  the  Pope, 
They  challenge  you  to  ordeal  of  fire- 
Our  champion,  a  Minorite  and  friar, 

16 


Doth  challenge  you  Domenico  to  come 

To  ordeal  of  fire  in  public  view, 

That  all  may  know  if  ye  be  false  or  true. 

He  will  go  through  the  fire  and  if  unscathed, 

He  shall  return,  his  cause  shall  stand  approved; 

You,  too,  shall  pass  through  flame,  should  you  consent 

To  meet  his  challenge.    If  unsinged,  you  come 

Forth  from  the  fire,  your  cause  shall  be  held  just, 

But  if  you  perish,  all  the  world  shall  know 

Savonarola  is  a  prophet  false. 

Domenico : 

Tell  thou  the  friar  and  tell  the  Signory, 

Domenico  doth  champion  the  cause 

Of  truth  Savonarola  doth  maintain, 

And  through  the  flaming  fire  shall  fearless  go. 

If  I  return  from  the  fierce  fire  unscathed, 

Savonarola  is  a  prophet  true; 

If  false,  I  shall  be  burned. 

Messenger: 

I  shall  your  message  so  communicate, 

And  when  the  time  arrives  we  shall  set  forth 

The  terms  of  our  dispute  in  order  due. 


Act  IV.    Scene  2.    Florence.    The  Piazza. 

Two  hundred  friars  of  Saint  Marks  enter  the  Piazza  with  a 
crucifix  in  front,  followed  by  Fra  Domenico,  dressed  with  a 
cope  of  red  velvet  and  bearing  a  crucifix,  followed  by  Savon 
arola. 

Behind  them  a  crowd  with  torches  singing,  "Rise,  Lord,  and 
Let  Thine  Enemies  be  Scattered/'  The  Signory  and  the 
champion  of  the  Minorites,  who  is  to  go  through  the  ordeal  of 
fire  with  Domenico,  are  in  the  palace.  Domenico  and  Savon 
arola  take  their  place  near  a  brick  platform  where  the  fire  is 

17 


to  be  placed.    A  company  of  soldiers  control  the  crowd  and  ac 
as  guard  to  the  friars  under  Salviati. 

Domenico : 

Bring  out  your  champion  to  essay  the  fire. 

Savonarola : 

Along  the  stage  the  friars  both  shall  pass, 
Before  a  burning  torch  shall  be  applied, 
Behind  another  torch  shall  close  the  way, 
And  cut  off  their  retreat. 

Messenger : 

The  Signory  would  know  why  ye  delay? 

Savonarola: 

The  two  must  pass  together,  are  the  terms. 

Messenger : 

Is  there  not  some  enchantment  in  the  cope 
Domenico  hath  on? 

Savonarola: 

We  deal  not  in  enchantments. 

Messenger : 

The  Signory  would  have  Domenico, 

ve  the  crimson  mantle  that  he  wears. 


Domenico  : 


1  lay  aside  the  cope.    Without  delay, 
Mrinjc  forth  your  champion. 


Messenger  : 

The  signory,  not  satisfied,  still  fear 


18 


Savonarola  hath  enchantment  wrought 
Upon  the  clothing  of  Domenico. 

Savonarola: 

Change  garments,  then  no  more  delay,  but  haste 
To  the  fulfillment  of  the  ordeal. 

(Domenico  changes  garments). 

Savonarola : 

I  observe  your  whispering. 

Messenger: 

Savonarola,  you  must  stand  away, 
And  come  not  nearer  to  Domenico, 
Lest  you  again  enchant  him. 

(Citizen : 

'Tis  past  the  hour  set  for  the  miracle, 
It  is  the  miracle  that  we  would  see. 

(The  Arrabiatti  crowd  in  to  kill  Savonarola.) 

Salviati: 

Back,  dare  to  cross  the  line,  and  you  shall  feel 
The  whetted  point  of  Salviati 's  steel. 

Messenger: 

By  false  delay  the  time  hath  been  consumed 
So  that  the  ordeal  can  not  take  place. 
So  says  the  Signory. 

Salviati : 

Back,  clear  a  pathway  so  that  to  their  home 
Safely,  my  soldiers  may  the  friars  guide. 

19 


Act  IV.    Scene  3.    Saint  Marks. 

A  riot  proceeding.    The  mob,  composed  of  Arrabiatti,  assa 
the  convent  which  is  defended  by  some  friendly  Piagnoni. 

Arrabiatti : 

Open  your  gates  and  lead  the  friars  forth. 
They  have  kept  Florence  and  all  Italy 
In  storm  and  turmoil  with  their  prophecy. 

Piag'noni : 

We,  with  our  lives,  defend  the  convent  wall. 

Domenico,  within: 

Cease  friends  to  further  fight  in  our  defense, 

We  go,  Savonarola  and  myself, 

To  give  ourselves  up  to  the  Signory. 

Piagnoni : 

Forsake  us  not ;  you  will  be  torn  to  death. 

Savonarola : 

Then  marching  to  the  chapel  let  us  there 
Take  in  our  hands  the  mighty  shield  of  prayer 
And  cry,  Lord,  save  thy  people. 

(Enter  Messenger.) 

Messenger : 

The  Signory  require  that  you  appear 
Before  them  at  the  palace  to  account 
For  this  night's  deeds. 

Savonarola: 

\Ve  yield  ourselves,  lead  on. 

20 


Girolino  Gini: 

Full  oft  Savonarola  have  I  asked 

To  be  admitted  to  your  holy  house, 

And  you  have  oft  refused.    Behold  the  blood 

Flows  from  my  wounds  sustained  in  your  defense ; 

Let  this  red  stream  prove  my  sincerity, 

Give  thou  the  robe  whereby  I  pledge  myself 

A  soldier  of  the  cross. 

Savonarola : 

Bring  forth  the  robe  and  let  him  be  received. 
Macebearer  lead  us  to  the  Signory. 


Act  V.    Scene  1.    The  Palace,  Florence. 

Commissioner : 

We  are  appointed  by  authority, 

To  question  you  that  we  may  truly  know 

Your  prophecies,  seditions,  heresies. 

Savonarola : 

I  taught  none  other  than  the  church  hath  taught. 

Commissioner : 

We  are  empowered  by  Rome  to  wring  the  truth, 
By  force  of  rack  and  pulley  from  your  mouth. 
Lead  the  obdurate  friar  to  the  rack; 
Let  that  persuade  him, 

(They  apply  the  rack). 
Will  you  confess  what  base  accomplices 
Have  aided  and  encouraged  your  revolt? 

Savonarola : 

Against  iniquity  I  made  revolt 
My  ally  was  the  truth. 

21 


Commissioner : 

Lead  him  away,  another  time  mayhap 
He  will  confession  make  of  his  offense. 


Act  V.    Scene  2,    Florence. 

First  Arrabiatti: 

Thus  far  by  rack  and  pulley,  they  have  failed 
To  doom  the  friar,  but  from  Rome  have  come 
Commissioners  resolved  to  see  him  die. 

Second  Arrabiatti : 

Will  they  succeed? 

First  Arrabiatti: 

As  they  passed  through  the  street  the  people  cried, 
Death  to  the  friars,  and  they  then  replied, 
Be  sure  the  friar  dies. 

Second  Arrabiatti: 

Twice  they  have  tried  him :    What  more  can  they  do? 

First  Arrabiatti : 

A  robber  band  seized  on  a  messenger 

Savonarola  sent  the  King  of  France, 

In  which  he  made  complaint  against  the  Pope, 

And  priests  as  men  of  evil  lives, 

And  calling  for  a  council  to  reform 

The  grievances.    The  robber  band  observed 

The  contents  were  of  import,  and  forthwith 

Despatched  the  letter  to  Milan  and  thence 

It  was  forwarded  to  the  Pope  in  Rome. 

Be  sure  the  friar  dies. 

22 


Act  V.    Scene  3.    Palace,  Florence. 

Commissioners  from  Rome  and  Signory. 
Commissioner : 

We  thank  the  Signory  that  they  have  brought 

The  prior  of  Saint  Marks  to  punishment, 

In  recognition  of  fidelity, 

The  Pope  remits  to  Florence  payment  due 

For  tithes  of  three  full  years. 

We  have  a  full  and  faithful  trial  held, 

Touching  Savonarola  and  his  friends, 

We  find  them  guilty  and  decide  they  die. 

Signory : 

The  eight  whose  custom  and  whose  office  is 
Sentence  upon  the  guilty  to  pronounce, 
Shall  publicly  their  confirmation  give 
To  this  your  voice. 

Cini: 

When  from  your  darkened  chambers  shall  go  forth 
To  the  white  light  of  day,  your  sentence  dark, 
Cry  that  I  Cini,  member  of  the  Eight, 
Am  absent  from  your  company. 

Signory: 

Record  his  protest  but  the  sentence  holds. 

Act  V.    Scene  4.    Florence,  Piazza. 
Stage  for  execution. 

Priest : 

Put  off  your  robes ;  your  hands  must  now  be  bound. 

23 


Bishop  : 

Clothe  them  again  that  they  may  be  unfrocked, 
And  from  their  office  formally  deposed, 
From  the  church  militant  I  here  declare, 
That  thou  art  separate. 

Savonarola : 

Not  from  the  church  triumphant ;  'tis  not  thine, 
From  that  no  earthty  power  can  separate. 
How  dearly  did  I  long  to  wear  this  gown, 
1  lay  it  off  to  take  the  martyr's  crown. 

The  Eight: 

There  being  absent  from  our  company, 
Francisco  Cini;  we,  The  Eight,  decree, 
That  ye  be  hanged  and  then  be  burned  with  fire. 

Domenico : 

Te  Deum  laudamus. 

Savonarola : 

In  earth's  last  hour  my  comfort  is  in  God. 

Priest : 

Tell  Rome  Savonarola's  soul  hath  fled. 

Piagnoni : 

Around  this  sacred  spot  sweet  flowers  to  spread, 
Let  us  return  at  dawning  of  the  day. 


24 


JOHN  KNOX. 

OHN  KNOX  was  born  in  Scotland  in  1515  (or  as 
some  say,  1505),  seventeen  years  after  the  death  of 
Savonarola.  There  was  a  striking  resemblance  be 
tween  the  two  men.  Both  were  fearless  champions 
of  the  truth,  lovers  of  their  country,  and  leaders  of  men.  Both 
distinguished  themselves  in  popular  oratory  and  statesman 
ship.  Both  upheld  high  standards  of  morality  and  were  plain 
and  fearless  in  the  denunciation  of  unrighteousness,  with  a  vein 
of  tenderness  running  through  the  understrata  of  their  lives. 
What  Savonarola  was  to  the  Signory  and  the  Italian  princes, 
Knox  was  to  the  Parliament  and  the  Scottish  Queen.  Luther, 
bearing  a  striking  resemblance  to  both  men,  was  born  seventeen 
years  before  the  death  of  Savonarola.  We  have  thus  a  cluster 
of  three  suns  appearing  in  the  ecclesiastical  firmament  about  the 
same  time,  and  shedding  a  lustre  o'er  the  world. 

Knox  has  left  his  imprint  on  Scotland  and  seemed  a  type  of 
his  nation,  but  he  is  a  colossal  figure  casting  his  influence  over 
England,  France,  Switzerland,  in  all  of  which  countries  he 
labored  as  an  evangelist.  While  giving  out  much  he  also  re 
ceived  much,  for  he  was  not  a  pioneer  thinker  like  Luther  and 
Savonarola,  but  coming  later  in  the  day  to  his  task  he  was 
rather  a  mighty  warrior  wielding  the  weapons  that  others  had 
sharpened  for  his  hands.  To  Calvin,  with  whom  he  was  per 
sonally  acquainted  and  associated,  he  was  indebted  in  a  measure 
for  his  theology,  but  he  was  himself  a  scholar  speaking  French 
fluently  and  acquainted  with  ecclessiastical  lore.  The  unity 
of  the  church  and  the  Divine  origin  of  the  Reformation  is 
strikingly  apparent  in  the  interdependence  of  the  nations  on 
each  other  for  its  truths  and  impulses.  England,  Switzerland, 
France,  Germany,  Scotland,  were  all  moved  upon  at  the  same 
time  by  the  same  truths,  surely  an  evidence  that  the  move- 

25 


ment  was  of  more  than  human  origin  and  human  wisdom  or 
power. 

Educated  for  the  priesthood  he  finally  ranged  himself  on  the 
Protestant  side  and  was  soon  noted  as  one  fitted  to  be  a  leader 
in  the  church.  Before  Knox's  day  the  Scottish  Reformation 
had  received  a  start  from  the  followers  of  the  English  Reformer 
Wyelif.  Ahout  1400,  Wyclif's  followers  succeeded  in  sowing 
the  seed  of  evangelical  truth  in  Scotland.  Even  the  preaching 
and  martyrdom  of  Hus,  the  Bohemian,  spread  its  influence 
there.  By  1525  Lutheran  hooks  were  circulated,  and  in  1526, 
Tyndale's  translation  of  the  New  Testament  was  distributed 
in  the  seaport  towrns.  The  Reformation  in  Scotland,  therefore, 
was  not  of  man,  but  of  God,  through  many  instruments  and  by 
seeds  of  immortal  truth  that  had  been  carried  from  Bohemia, 
Germany  and  England.  It  was  demonstrated  then,  as  at  the 
first  age  of  gospel  history,  that  the  blood  of  the  martyrs  was 
the  seed  of  the  church.  The  immediate  predecessor  of  Knox, 
as  a  reformer,  was  Patrick  Hamilton.  He  learned  the  Lutheran 
doctrine  at  Paris  and  returning  to  his  native  land  he  preached 
it  and  sealed  the  testimony  with  martyrdom. 

But  such  was  the  effect  of  his  testimony  that  they  said  the 
smoke  of  the  martyr's  fire  had  infected  the  people  on  whom  it 
blow  with  the  same  doctrine. 

After  his  conversion,  Knox  spent  some  time  as  an  evangelist 
in  England  under  Archbishop  Cranmer,  and  the  patronage  of 
the  young  King  Edward  VI.  to  whom  he  acted  as  chaplain. 
On  the  death  of  Edward,  with  premonitions  of  coming  persecu 
tion,  he  passed  over  to  the  continent,  finally  returning  to  Scot- 
laud  to  take  up  his  gigantic  struggle  in  the  evangelization  and 
political  defense  of  his  native  land.  In  addition  to  his  char 
acter  as  a  Christian,  lie  affords  us  a  striking  example  of  un- 
sdtish  self-sacrificing  patriotism. 

The  two  striking  figures  in  the  history  of  Scotland  at  this 
HUM'  are  Knox,  and  Mary.  Queen  of  Scots,  the  one  reigning  in 

26 


Holyrood,  a  checquered  reign,  the  other  reigning  from  his  pul 
pit  in  Saint  Giles,  his  spiritual  as  well  as  civil  battle.  Mary 
represented  the  passing  Romanism,  Knox,  the  new-horn  Re 
formed  faith  and  practice. 

By  reason  alike  of  his  scholarship  and  his  seniority  in  age 
he  had  an  advantage  that  more  than  compensated  for  the  ex 
alted  station  of  the  young  queen.  Had  Mary's  policies  pre 
vailed  the  handles  of  civilization  would  have  been  long  delayed 
on  the  dial  of  time,  but  Knox 's  energy  and  intrepidity  won  the 
day.  He  overcame  turbulent  nobles  as  he  overcame  the  queen 
and  secured  political  as  well  as  religious  liberty. 

While  Knox  was  certainly  an  organizer  in  church  and  state, 
it  was  not  till  later  that  the  Presbyterian  Church  assumed  its 
present  form  of  government.  Beneath  Knox,  the  ruler  and 
hero,  we  must  look  for  Knox,  the  evangelist,  and  behind  Knox, 
the  evangelist,  we  must  look  for  the  other  witnesses  of  the 
faith,  Wyclif  and  Luther,  Savonarola  and  Hus,  and  behind  them 
all  we  must  look  for  Christ.  He  is  the  beginning  and  end,  the 
all  in  all,  the  seed  from  whom  all  are  sprung  the  root  and  off 
spring  of  David,  the  bright  and  morning  star.  Principles  are 
before  politics  and  the  Prince  from  whom  our  principles  are 
drawn  is  Christ.  Inspirations  are  before  and  above  institutions 
as  a  political  force,  and  character  is  more  potent  than  charters. 
Knox  and  other  reformers  inspired  men  with  a  sense  of  Jesus 
Christ  as  the  king  of  men  in  church  and  state,  and  this  was 
above  all  forms  and  methods  of  government.  The  Scotish  cov 
enanters  were  Knox's  natural  successors.  Their  motto  was, 
"Christ's  crown  and  covenant."  Even  the  Parliament  and 
nation  of  England  became  subject  to  their  imperial  theocracy, 
the  price  they  were  obliged  to  pay  for  their  military  services  in 
their  war  against  the  impositions  of  King  Charles. 

As  recently  as  1844  the  disruption  of  the  free  church  in  ;i 
protest  against  ecclessiastical  patronage  was  an  outgrowth  of 
the  Reformation.  We  must  not  allow  our  view  of  the  polity  of 
Presbyterianism  to  obscure  our  view  of  its  theology  if  we  would 

27 


estimate  it  aright  as  a  spiritual  force  in  the  Kingdom  of  God 
among  men.  Christ  is  King  is  the  banner  of  the  Presbyterian 
church  today  as  of  the  covenanters  of  yesterday;  King  of  the 
whole  man,  heart  and  reason,  life  and  destiny,  individual  and 
national,  international  and  world-wide. 

The  King  of  Reason  is  not  science  but  Christ,  and  the  probe 
of  the  chemist  has  been  as  incapable  to  dethrone  Him  as  the 
sword  of  the  tyrant.  As  He  becomes  Supreme  King  in  the 
church's  heart,  church  unity  will  increase  and  schism  cease. 

Having  then  a  great  High  Priest,  who  hath  passed  through 
the  heavens,  Jesus,  the  Son  of  God,  let  us  hold  fast  our  con 
fession.  Let  us,  therefore,  draw  near  with  boldness  unto  the 
throne  of  grace,  that  we  may  receive  mercy,  and  may  find  grace 
to  help  in  time  of  need.  Hebrews  4 :14,  16. 


KING  IMMANUEL 


I 


N  Bethlehem's  royal  city  was  born  the  King  of  love, 
Prince  of  Peace,  whose  ensign  royal  was  the  meek  and 
gentle  dove ; 

And  His  coming  was  in  silence,  to  the  world  yet  unknown, 
Low  His  lot,  devoid  of  splendors,  that  surround  an  earthly 

throne. 

In  the  common  life  He  mingled,  quiet  home,  and  busy  mart, 
And  the  conquest  He  aspired  to  was  the  Empire  of  the  Heart. 

From  his  throne  the  great  Augustus  spread  his  sceptre  o'er  the 

world, 

Over  distant  fields  in  triumph  Roman  eagles  were  unfurled. 
Which  shall  conquer?   Sword  or  spirit?   Reign  of  law  or  reign 

of  love? 

Shall  it  be  the  Roman  eagle?  or  the  Galileean  dove? 
Caesar,  with  his  Roman  sword  girt,  standing  o'er  a  prostrate 

foe? 

28 


Christ  with  towel  girt  for  service,  as  a  servant  stooping  low? 
Let  the  ages  that  have  risen  since  that  early  Christmas  morn 
When  the  angels  to  the  shepherd's  sang  with  joy  that  Christ 
was  born. 

Answer  with  their  flood  of  voices,  voice  of  age  succeeding  age, 
While  unrolls  the  sacred  story  from  the  long  historic  page, 
Let  the  nations,  let  the  martyrs,  make  the  world's  echoes  ring 
With  the  spirit  stirring  answer,  loud  and  joyful,  Christ  is  King. 
Let  the  maiden  martyr,  dying  firm,  heroic,  at  the  stake 
Seal  in  blood  and  fire  the  power  of  the  prophet  word  he  spake 
Let  the  sage,  the  king,  the  peasant,  all  in  one  their  tribute 
bring, 

That  for  heart  and  home  and  nation  o'er  the  world  Christ  is 
King. 

He  will  make  our  earth  a  heaven;  God  hath  come  with  us  to 
dwell, 

Life  immortal  to  us  given !    Prince  of  Peace,  Immanuel. 
Broader,  brighter,  gladder,  fuller,  as  time's  current  forward 

rolls, 
Grows  the  splendor  of  His  Kingdom,  Lord  of  glory,  King  of 

souls, 

Let  us  hail  Him  King  and  Savior,  let  us  of  His  glory  sing 
In  our  hearts  and  lives  we  throne  thee,  we  adore  thee,  Christ 

our  King. 


29 


VENI  CREATOR  SPIRITUS 

The  Latin  version  of  this  hymn  was  written  according  to  some  by 
Gregory  the  Great  in  the  sixth  century;  according  to  others  by  Rabanus 
Maurus,  a  German  bishop,  in  the  ninth  century.  It  was  sung  at  the  re 
cent  coronation  of  George  V  in  Westminster  Abbey  and  is  always  sung 
at  the  coronation  of  kings,  consecration  and  ordination  of  bishops  and 
priests,  association  of  synods  and  other  ecclessiastical  assemblies. 

Creator  spirit,  come,  impart, 

Celestial  grace  within  our  heart. 

Fountain  of  life,  of  light,  of  love, 

The  gift  of  God  most  high, 

Anointing  spirit  from  above, 

To  Thee  our  voices  cry. 

Arm  of  Omnipotence  Divine, 

A  perfect  power  of  grace  is  Thine, 

Come  spirit  sent  from  heaven, 

Boon  of  our  Father  given, 

Unto  us  now  Thy  word  impart, 

Touch  with  Thy  light 

Our  inner  sight, 

Thy  love  pour  in  our  heart, 

Fall  on  us  in  reviving  dew, 

Comfort  our  souls,  our  strength  renew. 


30 


VENI  SANCTE  SPIRITUS 

The  Latin  version  of  this  hymn  is  by  some  attributed  to  Robert  II., 
King  of  France,  and  by  others  to  Hermann,  the  cripple,  both  belonging 
to  the  eleventh  century.  It  is  classed  among  the  foremost  of  Latin 
hymns: 

Spirit  from  the  heavenly  height, 
Bring  to  us  the  life,  the  light, 
Fill  us  with  a  holy  fire, 
Purge  our  hearts  from  earth's  desire 
Till  to  heaven  they  aspire. 

Shaded  from  the  world's  heat, 
In  our  Lord's  refreshment  sweet, 
Be  our  cup  of  joy  complete. 


Spirit  be  our  bosom  guest 
To  the  weary  heart  give  rest. 


31 


MATIN 

Bright  morning  breaks,  herald  of  coming  day, 
Darkness  is  thinning,  shadows  flee  away, 
Mid  morning  dews  we  turn  a  suppliant  eye, 
To  Him  whose  glory  gilds  the  morning  sky. 

O  Thou,  whose  sunbeams  make  the  heavens  bright, 
0  Thou,  who  art  Thyself  the  light  of  light, 
Dawn  on  our  souls  in  day  that  hath  no  night. 

Dawn,  and  with  still  increasing  glory  rise, 
To  fill  our  hearts,  as  daylight  fills  the  skies ; 
0  fill  them  till  from  earthly  shadows  free, 
They  are  transformed  in  glory  like  to  Thee. 

VESPER 

Daylight  is  fading,  falling  eventide, 
The  day  is  spent,  my  Lord,  with  me  abide ; 
While  darkness  turns  the  traveler  to  his  home 
My  heart  returns  to  Thee,  no  more  to  roam. 

0  life's  abiding  rock,  I  hide  in  thee; 

Mid  changing  time  my  changeless  refuge  be, 

Hush  earthly  care  and  set  my  spirit  free. 

While  evening  casts  its  shadows  be  my  guest, 
Almighty  love  the  pillow  of  my  rest, 
Staff  of  my  soul,  let  love  make  fear  to  cease, 
Abide  with  me,  my  Lord,  my  life,  my  peace. 


32 


Tn.j.0  ^    —  STAMPED  •D-&1-"*-'  • 


i      Photomount 
Pamphlet 
Binder 

Gaylord  Bros.,  Inc. 

Makers 

Stockton,  Calif. 
PAT.  JAN.  21,  1908 


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